Judy Diane Taylor, 78, of Brook, IN passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at George Ade Memorial Health Care in Brook.

Judy was born on April 26, 1943 in Brook, the daughter of Norman and Edna (Montgomery) Smith and they preceded her in death. She married John R. Taylor on June 11, 1960 in Sheldon and he preceded her in death on September 14, 2020. She was also preceded in death by one son, Matthew; and five brothers and sisters, Betty, Don, Atwood, Barbara, and Janet.

She is survived by one son, Roger (Terry) Taylor of Donovan; one daughter, Kendra Taylor of Donovan; five grandchildren; Trevor Page (Stephanie), Ben (Rachel) Taylor, Skyler Page (Deseray), Kelsey (Shane) Heath, and Jessi Page (Levi); two great-grandchildren, Remington and Zyven; two sisters, Connie (Steve) Pluimer of Brook, IN and Jackie (Leland) Shrimplin of Sheldon; and many nieces and nephews.

Judy was Township Trustee in Washington Twp. for many years as well as an Election Judge for many years. She enjoyed reading, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, and helping out on the family farm. She was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Kentland and UMW.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2022 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Kentland. Pastor Sue Spurlin will officiate. Burial will follow at Morris Chapel Cemetery in Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to Morris Chapel Cemetery in Iroquois or George Ade Memorial Health Care in Brook.

Hubert D. Neal, 102 of Milford passed away on Monday March 28, 2022 in Danville. He was born on December 31, 1919 in Sunnybrook, KY a son of James and Chlous (Bertram) Denton. Hubert married Margie I. Alberson in Sandclift, KY on January 2, 1941 and she preceded him in death on January 4, 2001.

Survivors include two sons- Jerry Neal of Grand Rapids, MI and Joe (Lisa) Neal of Kalamazoo, MI; two daughters- Shirley Neal of Watseka and Virginia Hallock of Milford; two half brothers- David Neal of Monticello, KY and James Neal of Louisville, KY; one half sister- Justine Bertram of Monticello, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Don Hallock; and ten brothers and sisters.
Hubert served in the US Army during WW II in the African Theatre. He was a member of the American Disabled Veterans and worked for Transit Company in Louisville, KY. He was a Walmart greeter for many years in Watseka.

Funeral services will be held on Friday April 1, 2022 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Robert Killion officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the funeral Home. Burial will be in Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland. Graveside military rites will be conducted by Watseka American Legion.

Memorials may be made to the Milford Nazarene Church.

Please share a memory of Hubert at www.knappfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Hubert D. Neal please visit our Sympathy Store.

Mary “Jane” (Gooden) Lane, 69, of Hoopeston, passed away at 1:31 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022, at her home.

Jane was born on December 22, 1952, in Danville, the daughter of Willard Eugene and Mary Helen (Elliott) Gooden. 

She is survived by her sister- Cathy Baird of Henning; two nephew- Bill (Heather) Baird of Pesotum, Illinois and Anthony Lane of Florida; best friend- Tammy Galloway of Hoopeston; aunt- Jean Driskin of Chicago, Illinois; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son-Damon Lane, brother- Bill Gooden, nephew- Greg Baird Jr. and brother-in-law- Greg Baird Sr.

Jane worked as a home health care aid and enjoyed watching TV.

According to her wishes cremation rites will be accorded and a graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 9th, 2022, at Floral Hill Cemetery, in Hoopeston.  Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Jane’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Wylie Roy Flippin, 87, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:20 A.M. Friday March 25, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.  He was born May 30, 1934, in Electra, TX, the son of Roy H. Flippin and Thelma (Manor) Hallmark.  He married Barbara Padgett on May 17, 1959.  She preceded him in death. 

He is survived by one daughter, Virginia Flippin of Hoopeston, IL; one son, Wylie Flippin Jr. of Clemmons, NC; two granddaughters, Amanda (Markus) Taenzl and Dana (Jason) Broussard; one great-granddaughter, Ryan Renee Broussard; one great-grandson, Colton Jude Broussard; and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Mary Jane Flippin; two sisters; and two brothers. 

Wylie worked as a welder at Frank’s Case and Crew in Lafayette, LA.  He enjoyed playing golf, watching golf on television, and was an avid LSU and New Orleans Saints’ Fan.  

Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and no services will be held. 

Memorials may be made in Wylie’s memory to the donor’s choice. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Patricia “Patty” Sue Pruitt, 52, of Danville went to be with her Lord on March 25, 2022 at home. She was born on April 3, 1969 to Earl and Mary Christensen, the only of their five daughters to be born in Hoopeston.

It was clear to all those around her, whether it was friends or strangers, that Patty cared for others more than she cared for herself. This trait helped her become a CNA, a job she did for many years.

Patty’s family was her life. Her true pride was her daughter, Faith, and she was forever her highest priority. She loved spending time with her soulmate, Val, and would get so excited to see their grandbabies. She always looked forward to the times her sisters and their families were all able to get together, which also was a good excuse for Patty to cook. She could cook up a storm!

Patty leaves a legacy of love and laughter. She would fill the room with her infectious laughter; she was always laughing and making others laugh around her. She loved to karaoke and would affectionately sing to those around her throughout the day. Faith and Patty have wonderful memories from their fishing trips that will be cherished for the many years to come.

Though Patty’s family was her life, Jesus was her world. She was devoted to her faith and is reunited with her Savior.

Patty is survived by her daughter, Faith Pruitt; her mother, Mary; her soulmate, Val; bonus daughters Aidee, Annabell, and Alison; and grandchildren Emmett, Adaline, and Milana. She also leaves behind her sisters Penny (Chuck) Crozier, Peggy (Monte) Silver, Pauline (Terry) Trosper, and Pam (Chris) Fleming; her loyal dog Rusty; childhood friend Brenda Stevens and close friend Donna Nichols; and nieces and nephews Larissa, Jeremiah, Catlin, Jenna, Adriana, Aubrey, Maren, Tristyn, Alec, Jacob, Coler, and Mary; as well as several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Earl, and her special aunt Lucille Symmonds.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, located at 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville. A funeral service celebrating her life will take place following the visitation at 3:00 pm at the funeral home. Pastor Doug Knapp will be officiating. Memorial contributions can be made in her name to Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Please join Patty’s family in sharing memories, videos, and photos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Glenn O. Britt Jr, 38, of Kankakee passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He was born on April 18, 1983 in Watseka, the son of Glenn O. Britt and Denise Camp. He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn.

Surviving are his mother, Denise Camp of Kankakee; one daughter, Mackinze (fiancé Zach Silvers) of Terre Haute, IN; one granddaughter, Grace Silvers of Terre Haute, IN; one brother, Daniel (Destini) Britt of Clifton; seven nieces and nephews; and several aunts and uncles.

Glenn enjoyed golfing and spending time with his granddaughter and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Burial will follow at Kankakee Memorial Gardens in Kankakee. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am at the funeral home on Thursday.

Memorials may be made to The Ronald McDonald House.

Please share a memory of Glenn at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Clifford Odell “Cliff” Crabtree II, 55, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 3:37 P.M. Monday March 21, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.  He was born July 11, 1966, in Hoopeston, IL, the son of Clifford Odell and Dolores Jean (Johnson) Crabtree.  His mother survives in Hoopeston. He married Lori Michelle Pletch on July 4, 1987, at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Hoopeston and she survives in Hoopeston. 

He is also survived by his three children, Zackery H. (Calle) Crabtree of Aurora, CO, Jordan R. Crabtree (Amy N. Bott) of Denver, CO, and Katelyn N. (Alexander) Moore of Oakwood, IL; two sisters, Charisse (Bob) Cromwell of Peoria, AZ and Della (David) Lawson of Jackson Gap, AL; two brothers, Warren (Stephanie) Crabtree of Naples, FL and Tim Crabtree of Raymore, MO; two grandchildren, Henry Jacob Morin, and June Hillery Moore; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Odell Crabtree; grandparents, Hamp and Della Crabtree and Leslie and Martha Johnson; one brother, Leslie Crabtree; one sister-in-law, Kathy Crabtree; and one infant grandson, Holden Cash Crabtree. 

Cliff was a self-employed carpenter, working with his father at HOW Construction and later Crabtree Construction and Development.  He was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Hoopeston.  He was also a member of the Hoopeston Fire Department from April 1991 – August 2014 where he served as Fire Chief from August 2008 – August 2014 and was awarded the Outstanding Fireman of the Year award in 2014.  Cliff was very active in the Hoopeston Jaycees, the National Sweetcorn Festival, and the National Sweetheart Pageant, always willing to lend a hand.  He served as the 51^st National Sweetcorn Festival Chairman, received the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 2001 and was awarded Jaycee of the Year.  He was also awarded the Jaycees JCI Senatorship #57251 and the Jaycees Associate of the Year in 2019   Cliff enjoyed hunting, woodworking, coaching, and was an IHSA soccer official.  He was also an avid Illini football fan and season ticket holder.  Most of all, Cliff loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. 

A visitation will be held 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Sunday March 27, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday March 28, 2022, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holden Hope Foundation in memory of Cliff’s grandson or to the Hoopeston Fire Department. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Timothy P. Fortino, 64 of Ashkum passed away on Sunday March 20, 2022 at AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. He was born May 3, 1957 in Kankakee a son of Carl and Patricia (O’Connor) Fortino. Tim married Carolyn Kime in L’Erable on November 20, 2021.

Surviving is his loving wife, Carolyn Fortino of Ashkum; one daughter- Anna (Kevin) Johnson of St. Joseph; two grandsons- Kace and Beckett Johnson; mother- Patricia Hertz of Chebanse; two brothers- Terry (Peter) Fortino of Chicago and Tom (Paula) Fortino of Kankakee; one sister- Carla (Dan) Peters of Herscher; two step sisters- Sandra Jarvis of Denver, CO and Connie Bassin of Chicago; one step brother- Richard (Marilyn) Hertz of Carterville; sister in law- Cheryl Lampley of Kankakee; and brother in law- Dale (Pat) Kime of Kankakee. He was preceded in death by his father- Carl Fortino, step father- Glenn Hertz, and one step brother- Ron Hertz.

Tim retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation after 32 years. He enjoyed trap shooting, hunting, fishing, and boating and was an avid Cubs and Bears fan. Tim loved riding his red golf cart and socializing with his neighbors.

Funeral services will be on Saturday March 26, 2022 at 10:00 am at Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Chebanse. Burial will be in Sts. Mary and Josephs Cemetery in Chebanse.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Please share a memory of Tim at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Timothy P. Fortino please visit our Sympathy Store.

Andrew John “Andy” Newman, 59, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 8:55 A.M. Friday March 18, 2022, at his home. He was born September 19, 1962, in Danville, IL, the son of Cyril T. “Mike” and Carol M. (Curry) Newman. He married Ginger M. Doyle on April 5, 1997, in Hoopeston. She preceded him in death on April 23, 2015.

He is survived by one daughter, Morgan Newman of Dacula, GA; two sons, Michael Newman of Hoopeston, IL, and Nathan (Jessica) Alliss of Rankin, IL; three sisters, Chris Newman of Hoopeston, IL, Teri (Joe) Gaffney of Hoopeston, IL, and Marti Newman of Dacula, GA; one brother, Greg (LuAnn) Newman of Catlin, IL; five grandchildren, Travis Goodnight, Konner, Natalie, and Scotty Alliss, and Clayton Hawthorne; four nephews, Ryan (Kate) Newman, Carl (Allie) Newman, Eric (Patty) Gaffney and Jeff (Amanda) Gaffney; and his lifelong best friend, Eric McMillan.

In addition to his wife, Ginger, he was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; one infant daughter; mother-in-law, Glenda Miller; brother-in-law, Scott Doyle; and two nephews, Nick and Zeb Doyle.

Andy began his work career while in Middle School, doing home delivery weekdays of the Chronicle-Herald. He then worked for Tom Maire at Sav-A-Lot. He was a 1980 graduate of Hoopeston-East Lynn High School. After finishing his schooling at DACC, Andy worked for Dave Magee in trucking. He then worked as a Transportation Coordinator for over 20 years, and was currently in that position for Fresh Thyme Market in Bolingbrook. He was a member of the Hoopeston United Methodist Church. Andy enjoyed watching NASCAR races and was an avid sports fan. His favorite teams included the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bulls. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, listening to music, grilling, and trying new restaurants.

A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Friday March 25, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Friday March 25, 2022, at the funeral home with Pastor Kathy Murphy officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made to the OSF Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Care Center, 806 N. Logan Ave. Danville, IL 61832. Donations may also be made to The Crohn's Foundation, National Headquarters, 733 Third Avenue, Ste. 510, New York, NY 10017 in memory of Andy’s wife, Ginger.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Andy’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Dorothy “Dot” Trumble, 60, of Watseka passed away on Friday, March 11, 2022 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born on August 2, 1961 in Watseka, the daughter of Raymond and Sarah Ellen (Morgan) Phelps. She married Donald Trumble in Madisonville, KY on June 11, 2001.

Surviving are her husband, Donald Trumble of Watseka; two sons, Brian (Shannon) Gibson of Woodland and Kankakee and Steven (Margaret) Gibson of Watseka; her mother, Sarah Ellen Phelps of Watseka; eleven grandchildren; one sister, Audrey (Jeff) Anderson of Peotone; two half-brothers, Douglas (Kim) Phelps of Hanson, KY and Jimy Phelps of Steger, IL.

She was preceded in death by her father, two sisters, and four brothers.

Dot loved taking pictures, especially of eagles and hummingbirds. She enjoyed her time with all her family and was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Don. Dot loved the outdoors, riding motorcycles, fishing with Don, and Ford vehicles. She was always there for anyone and never asked for anything back. She will truly be missed.

Cremation rites are being handled by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

A memorial visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Private family graveside services will take place at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Please share a memory of Dot at baierfuneralhome.com.

Nancy Jo (Stahr) Barnard, 71, of Rankin, formerly of Danville, passed away at 11:24 p.m. Friday, Mach 11, 2022, at her home.

Nancy was born on January 21, 1951, in Harvey, Illinois, the daughter of Bill and Marie (Rochkowsky) Stahr.   She was married to Edmond Barnard.  He survives.

She is also survived by one step-brother and three step-sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Nancy worked as a substitute schoolteacher for several area schools, for many years.  She enjoyed reading and watching adventure shows.

Private family services were held and she was laid to rest in Floral Hill Cemetery, in Hoopeston.   Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, in Danville or St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, in Hoopeston.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, to assist them in honoring Nancy’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Lila Mae Gray, 93, of Decatur, IL, formerly of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 8:00 A.M. Sunday March 13, 2022, at Fair Havens Senior Living in Decatur.  She was born May 9, 1928, in Wellington, IL, the daughter of William O. and Cora Esther (Carey) Hymer.  She married Charles William “Bill” Gray on April 7, 1954, in Paris, IL.  He preceded her in death. 

She is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Murphy of Springfield, IL; one sister, Eleanor Hobbs of Tuscola, IL; two grandchildren, Angela Haynes and Jamie (Brett) Deer; six great-grandchildren, Shelby Haynes, Jordan Deer, Spencer Deer, Jared Haynes, Mason Deer, and Logan Deer; one great-great-granddaughter, Noelle Williams; and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; and one brother. 

Lila worked at TRW in Hoopeston for several years.  She later worked at Pamida until her retirement.  She was a member of the Hoopeston United Methodist Church.  Lila enjoyed playing cards, gambling, reading Danielle Steel books, and watching game shows on television. 

Per her wishes, she will be cremated.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday March 22, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.   

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T), 901 W. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Lila Ann Leigh, 92, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 6:38 A.M. Saturday March 12, 2022, at her residence at Autumn Fields Adult Community in Hoopeston.  She was born July 19, 1929, the daughter of John and Alline (Bauer) Otto.  She married L. Marvin Leigh on January 2, 1953, in Hoopeston.  He preceded her in death on December 2, 2016. 

She is survived by one daughter, Marty (Russell “JR”) Borders of Mahomet, IL; three sons, Greg (Janet) Leigh of Danville, IL, Russ (Linda) Leigh of Hoopeston, IL, and Chris (Lisa) Leigh of East Lynn, IL; two sisters, Gladys (C.W.) Kuntz of Hoopeston, IL and Velma Hoerr of Peoria, IL; thirteen grandchildren, Todd (Betsy) Pence, Chad Pence, Gabriel (Carrie) Borders, Michael Borders, Kent (Melissa) Leigh, Erin Courier, Adam (Nicole) Leigh, Rachel (Shaun) Gillins, Elizabeth (Michael) Silver, Jason (Bricie) Leigh, Cody (Heather) Moore, Alan (Lauren) Leigh, and Bryce Leigh; nineteen great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her husband, Marvin Leigh, she was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Marie Kupferschmid, Loren Purgett, Bernice Otto, and Edith Otto; six brothers-in-law, Robert Kupferschmid, Ben Purgett, Don Hoerr, Howard Haynes, Leland Martin, and Lloyd Osborn; three sisters-in-law, Georgianna Haynes, Elinor Martin, and Marian Osborn; and one nephew, Dave Kuntz. 

Lila was a homemaker, caring for her family and helping her husband on their farm.  She also worked as a beautician for sixty years.  She was a member of the First Church of God in Hoopeston and was active in the East Lynn Junior Women’s Club.  Lila loved her family and enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports and school activities.  She was a great cook and baker.  She loved reading and being involved with her church. 

A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday March 17, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday March 18, 2022, at the First Church of God, 1004 E. Orange St. Hoopeston, IL, with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating.  Burial will follow in the East Lynn Cemetery in East Lynn, IL. 

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Area Sports Boosters or the Hoopeston Area Music Boosters. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Garnett Foley, 103, of Paxton passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.  A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 9am at Glen Cemetery in Paxton.  Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Paxton is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Carol Arnold, 87, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 2:42 P.M. Tuesday March 8, 2022, at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center.  She was born August 30, 1934, in Hoopeston, IL, the daughter of Benjamin Grant and Crystal Marie (Anthony) Goodrum.  She married Dick Arnold on October 19, 1957, in Danville.  He preceded her in death on June 17, 2003. 

She is survived by one daughter, Lori (Mark) Mott of Heyworth, IL; one son, David Arnold of Chandler, AZ; one sister, Marlene (Chuck) Yablon of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; one brother, Dick Goodrum of Florida; two grandsons, Andy Smith of Grove City, OH and Luke Smith of Newburgh, IN; four great-grandchildren, Lola, Shia, Ezra, and Maddox Smith; and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Kenneth Goodrum. 

Carol worked at the Hoopeston Public Library for 47 years, where she devoted her life to the children of the community.  She will be remembered by many for her Friday morning story time.  She attended the Chestnut Street Church of Christ.  She served as a volunteer at Autumn Fields and at all the schools.  Carol enjoyed reading, journaling, and visiting with people.   

A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday March 14, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  A private family funeral service will be held, and burial will be in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston. 

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Public Library, 110 N. 4^th St. Hoopeston, IL 60942. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Brittney Bennett, 33, of Rantoul, formerly of Paxton, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2022.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 12pm until 2pm, at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Paxton.

Dorothy C. "Carol" Arnold, 87, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 2:42 P.M. Tuesday March 8, 2022, at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center.  Arrangements are pending at Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston, IL.

Debra Lynn Hughes, 70, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 7:51 P.M. Saturday, March 5, 2022, at her home, surrounded by her family.  She was born June 14, 1951, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Oscar and Lola (Schlensker) Downing.  She married Steve Hughes on May 27, 1972, at the St. James United Methodist Church in Danville, IL.  He survives in Rossville. 

She is also survived by two daughters, Tracy (Marc) Jackson of Rossville, IL and Kelly Hughes (Ben Walsh) of Iowa City, IA; one son, Larry K. Hughes of Rossville, IL; one brother, Keith (Toni) Downing of Rossville, IL; her mother-in-law, Edna Hughes; one sister-in-law, Maria (Mike) Verbeke of Rossville, IL; two brothers-in-law, Steve Keele of Greencastle, IN, and Larry D. Hughes of Williamsport, IN; her two grandchildren, Alyvia and Tysun Jackson; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Lola Downing; two children, Michael, and Jeffery Hughes; her sister, Robin Keele; one nephew, Keith Downing; and her father-in-law, Gene Hughes. 

Debra retired from the State of Illinois Secretary of State's Office.  When her children were in school, she was active in their sports and school activities.  Her grandchildren were her world, and she loved nothing more than being a grandma to her grandkids and their friends.  She loved her family and loved cooking large meals for them on weekends and holidays.  Debbie also loved being outdoors and enjoying a cup of coffee on her porch.  She had a great sense of humor and contagious laugh that would brighten up any room.  She was always able to see the silver lining in any cloud.  To know Debbie was to love her, and she will be greatly missed by her friends, family, and all who were blessed to know her. 

Per her wishes, she will be cremated.  A visitation will be held 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. Saturday March 19, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The memorial service will follow the visitation and will begin at 11:00 A.M. Saturday March 19, 2022, at the funeral home with Larry Baughn officiating.  Burial will be held at a later date. 

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  

Kathleen S. McKinney, 64, of Milford passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at her home. She was born on January 11, 1958 in Watseka, a daughter of John G.W. and Mildred (Schiewe) Brutlag and they preceded her in death. Kathleen married Micheal L. McKinney on August 6, 1983 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth and he preceded her in death on May 14, 2017.

Surviving are three daughters, Heather Crissey of LaVergne, Tennessee, Cortney McKinney of Milford, and Sabrina McKinney of Milford; two sons, Micheal McKinney Jr. of Watseka and Kaleb McKinney of Milford; one sister, June Harvey of Chicago; three brothers, Dave Brutlag of Bloomington, Dale Brutlag of Chicago, and Joel Brutlag of Minnesota; eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She enjoyed doing crosswords, puzzles, and playing cards.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 11, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka with the funeral service to follow at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Joel Brutlag officiating.

Please share a memory of Kathleen at www.baierfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Kathleen S. McKinney please visit our Sympathy Store.

James “Jimmy” E. Staton Jr., 69, of New Castle, Indiana, formerly of Hoopeston, Illinois, passed away at 6:55 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2022, at his home.

Jimmy was born on February 16, 1953, in Danville, Illinois, the son of James and Georgia Jean (Slaven) Staton Sr, who preceded him in death. 

He is survived by three sisters- Virginia (Raymond) Winters of Danville, Illinois, Patty (Greg) Youmans of Montrose, Minnesota and Mary Lytle of Montrose, Minnesota; one niece and five nephews.

Jimmy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, in New Castle, Indiana.  He enjoyed riding his moped, playing with his dog and going to the grocery store to visit with his friends.

The family would like to thank everyone in Hoopeston and Indiana, who was there for Jimmy and helped him out.

A Celebration of Jimmy’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2022, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston.  Burial will follow the service in Floral Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the First Presbyterian Church, in New Castle, Indiana.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Jimmy’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.  

Robert Grove “Bob” Baur, 87, of Rossville, IL, formerly of Palos Hills, IL, passed away at 3:07 P.M. Sunday February 27, 2022, at his home.  He was born August 8, 1934, in Detroit, MI, the son of Grove and Elizabeth (Anderson) Baur.  He married Lillian Emily Dilts in Merrionette Park, IL, in 1956.  She survives in Rossville. 

He is also survived by one daughter, Katheryn Baur; two grandsons, Eric and Mike Baur; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Robert J. Baur, who passed away on May 4, 2021. 

Robert owned and operated B & S Heating & Cooling in Palos Hills, IL, for sixty years.  He enjoyed golfing and was a semi-professional golfer at Walnut Hills Golf Course.  He also enjoyed working on anything mechanical and tinkering in his garage. 

Per his wishes, he will be cremated.  A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Saturday March 12, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The memorial service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Saturday March 12^th at the funeral home. No burial will be held. 

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com